Veiligheid!

Ek is by die werk.  Dis 'n heerlike somersoggend met wolke in die lug en 'n belofte van reen later vanmiddag.  Ek kan nie anders as om my te verwonder oor hoe groot God se skepping is nie! Maar ek moet daarna kyk deur tralies, deur palisades met skerp punte op; om skelms uit te hou, om ons veilig te hou deur ons gevange te hou, deur ons toe te sluit.  

En die skelms, wat ons vreugde en vryheid steel, hulle loop los buite rond.  Hulle is vry om te maak soos hulle wil.  Hulle steel nie net ons vryheid nie, maar ook ons vrede en vreugde.  Hulle hou ons gevange in 'n kou.  

Ek kyk na buite - deur doringdraad en diefwering.  Ek is 'n gevangene vir my eie veiligheid; my maatreels om veilig te wees versmoor my siel.

LAWS of the UNIVERSE: INVESTIGATED

Introduction

As a coach, Industrial Psychologist, consultant, father and follower of Jesus Christ I’m constantly faced with various beliefs on aspects such as leadership, success, purpose and more, but also with belief systems contrary to what I belief.

When a close friend delved into the laws of the universe and started to change his believe system from what we previously shared, I decided to investigate to try and understand.

In my reading I came over various authors who identified and grouped various laws, for example 11 Forgotten Laws, 7 Universal Laws (Principles), 12 Universal Laws and 20 Universal Laws.  Collating these I came up with 39 laws which one needs to attuned to, to ensure success.

In many cases I tend to over simplify, forgive me for that.  However, as I do not judge other’s belief systems, please do not judge me.  We all have the privilege to believe as we decide, according to our own considerations. 

I’m not trying to make this an empirical study, thus a large amount of “copy and paste” took place from various sources.  I’m not trying to prove anything, I’m not trying to prove a point or to convert anyone; I’m just sharing my notes.  You will tend to agree or severely disagree with me – it is fine.

It was not my intention to defend the Bible or provide counter verses or provide contextual arguments.  This would be a very specific exercise and is not of importance here.  Important is that where Bible verses are provided, it comes from the reading matter (this is where your knowledge of the Bible and the context of those verses are important).

What follows is my understanding, limited I might say, and my reflection on what I believe.

I would like to start this exercise with two quotes from the material that I read:

All successful people are in harmony with the Laws of the universe – either consciously or unconsciously.

When the mind is attuned to the cosmic law, all the laws of nature are in perfect harmony with the aspirations of the mind. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Prominent Building Blocks

I identified a number of building blocks or recurrent themes throughout the reading of which the following few are continuously reiterated.

The first one is that you have access to unlimited power, which is within you.  In many cases this refers to the power to think and to choose. 

Live from the inside out; think about the life you want despite your current circumstances.  You can start to think about your DREAM JOB and about ABUNDANCE right NOW regardless of your circumstances.

A man is but the product of his thoughts - what he thinks, he becomes. Mahatma Gandhi

We become what we think about - Earl Nightingale

A man's life is what his thoughts make of it - Marcus Aurelius

The second one is the right to abundance”.  Abundance (it seems) mostly refers to material abundance.

The third refers to claims that these laws are not a religious program, but a science!  It is stated that these laws are based on the understanding of natural laws.  A proven step by step approach for you to follow in order for you to get what you want out of this life.

• For me an important starting point will then be to understand the definition of science and test these laws accordingly. 
• Science (from Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge") is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. 
• Medical Definition of science: knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through the scientific method and concerned with the physical world and its phenomena.
• For me science relies heavily on scientific method, testability and repeatability. Unfortunately I cannot agree with the science statement. I found a number of contradictions and vague statements on application of these laws.

The fourth is the importance of being successful and as I experienced it, success measured in an abundance of “things”.  Prosperity or “welvaart’ in Afrikaans.

The fifth is continuous reference to “you can be whatever you want”.  Being reasonably open-minded; I tend to ask the question – “really”?

39 Laws

Following is a summary of the laws found and reference to a source.  I believe that this list is not exhaustive and there is also no specific sequence to it.  For those who are interested, there are a table with an explanation for each of these laws at the back of this document.

Law of Thinking (11 Forgotten Laws) The law of supply (11 Forgotten Laws) Law of Attraction (11 Forgotten Laws / 12 universal Laws / 20 Universal Laws) Law of Receiving (11 Forgotten Laws) Law of increase (11 Forgotten Laws) Law of Compensation (11 Forgotten Laws / 12 Universal Laws) Law of Forgiveness (11 Forgotten Laws) Law of Sacrifice (11 Forgotten Laws) Law of obedience (11 Forgotten Laws) Law of Success (11 Forgotten Laws) The Principle of Mentalism (7 Universal Laws) Law of Correspondence (7 Universal Laws) The Law of Vibration (7 Universal Laws / 12 Universal Laws / 20 Universal Laws) Law of Polarity (7 & 12 Universal Laws) Law of Rhythm (7 & 12 Universal Laws) Law of Cause and Effect (7 & 12 universal Laws) Law of Gender (7 & 12 universal Laws) Law of Divine Oneness / Law of One (12 & 20 Universal Laws)

Law of Action (12 Universal laws) Law of Correspondence (12 Universal Laws) Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy (12 Universal Laws) Law of Relativity (12 Universal Laws) Law of harmony (20 Universal Laws) Law of Reincarnation and Karma (20 Universal Laws) Law of Wisdom (wisdom erases Karma) (20 Universal Laws) Law of Grace (20 Universal Laws) Law of Soul Evolution (20 Universal Laws) Law of Bodhisattva (20 Universal Laws) Law of free will (20 Universal Laws) Law of Manifestation (20 Universal Laws) Law of Conscious Detachment (20 Universal Laws) Law of Gratitude (20 Universal Laws) Law of Fellowship (20 Universal Laws) Law of Resistance (11 forgotten & 20 Universal Laws) Law of Reflection (20 Universal Laws) Law of Unconditional Love (20 Universal Laws) Law of Magnetic Affinities (20 Universal Laws) Law of Abundance (20 Universal Laws) Law of Divine Order (20 Universal Laws)

Reference to a Divinity

In the reading I identified a number of references to what I will label “a divine power”, which are the following:

• The universe.
• The Divine Operation - is always for expansion and fuller expression and it wants to express itself through us. Hence, that desire, that urge inside you to reach our goals and dreams is the divine trying to express itself through you. Hence, we must never give up our dreams. "The All.
• Energy gestalt. We are all part of a great energy gestalt called God, and because we are part of God, we are God.
• Divine energy. This and all universes are made of Divine Energy. It is everywhere and in everything. Everything, including us, lives, moves and has its being in this divine energy. We are this divine energy.
• We are god. Our purpose is to become god.
• In certain instances you can deduct that there are space for more than one god.

When you are harmonious for a lifetime, you will have attained the highest vibrational rate - the God level.

Although references are made to Bible text, I did not find acknowledgement of the God that I, as a Christian, believe in.

So, What is my Conclusion?

After spending much time reading and contemplating, I came to a number of conclusions regarding these issues.  From here on it is Johan speaking and please remember, this is my understanding of the laws and their implications. 

The power of thinking.  Absolutely, there is no substitute for tuning your mind onto the positive things, focusing on the good, and all that.  Even the Bible in the Wisdom Book Proverbs (23:7) agrees that “as a man think, so is he”.  However, to claim you have unlimited power is by changing your thinking, in my mind, creating false expectations.  As humans, in our human form, I believe, we are limited.  Can we create anything out of nothing?

The Laws of the Universe as a science.  This is for me one of those claims that people use to “sell” something, to make it more credible.  If one wants to use science as a vantage point, then you must abide by the definition of science, and can you really proof this scientifically?  This also means that one needs to establish a clear (and accepted) definition of “success and abundance”, which then should be one of the criteria for measurement.  Science and religion is not necessarily room mates.  How do you prove that there are millions of states before getting to “god level”?  (Aka Law of Vibration)

The use of Bible verses.  Without going into detail the utilisation of Bible verses to support specific laws are close to some of the religious uses of verses, i.e. a specific verse are used out of context or just off context, to support a law or argument.  One of these are constant references to “abundance”, while (in my view) the focus should be on “abundant life” and not “abundant goods and things”.  Nowhere could I, in the Bible, read that we have a right to material abundance – I’m not saying that we should not have abundance or that no-one in the Bible had abundance, I say I could not find the right to abundance.

You can be whatever you want to be.  Really?  I don’t know.  The whole universe is built on eco systems and hierarchies. 

Rather encourage people to be the best they can be than to teach that you can be a super rich, super human, super something; actually creating more pain and frustration.  For not one moment do I say you must not have dreams and ambitions, you should, you must have otherwise you are spiritually dead, however, there are boundaries to everything. 

A goldfish will never be a shark, but it can be the best goldfish there can be; thus being true to itself, finding peace within and living a fruitful, happy and content life.  And, if you believe that you can be and want to be “X” and does not realise it – then you did not “believe” good enough or you did not adhere to some of the laws; what else are you doing than most of the religions today.  You are not healed because you did not believe enough; really? 

The power of the mind is incredible, with the power of a believe system it is almost unstoppable, but it does not give anyone an open cheque book.

Becoming god?!  The “Law of Thinking” directly indicates that “our purpose is to become god”.  Although God is in us and we are in God – we can never become God.  God created us for Him.  Enough said.

Attitude.  A number of these laws (e.g. vibration, attraction, increase, etc) are about sending out positive vibrations into the universe and then you will receive more of the same. 

A positive attitude goes far and will attract positive people and maybe convert negative people – but I find it difficult to believe that you can be sure (science?) that you will receive more of what you are grateful for because the universe will respond accordingly.  Good things happen to good and bad people, and vice versa.

Once again, if you believe this and it works for you – excellent.

Success.  Some of the authors claim that these laws are a recipe for success, a proven step by step process; meaning that if you follow the recipe closely, you will achieve success. 

If you’re not successful you are not adhering to one or more of these laws – thus, you’re rejected; not good enough.   I could not find the step-by-step recipe!

What better is this then than all the “Christians’” who let people believe they are sick or failing due to not having enough faith?  So what about a lack of opportunity that is effectively hampering the achievement of success?

From my reading it is clear that the laws of vibration and attraction are the most commonly sited by authors as the most important laws that you have to obey to be successful.  This opens the next question; how do you define success – but I’m not going there.

There are a lot of truths in these laws, but we are not God, and we cannot call on God as a “servant” to attend to our every wish.

Believing and Wants vs Needs and Reprogramming via Affirmations.  I found that there is a primary drive throughout the reading that we need to believe that anything is possible. We just need to believe it. Believing is seeing. Note:  And if you are not seeing what you believe; did you then not believe enough?

The Law of Attraction states that you can start to alter your life just by altering your thoughts and emotions, and by doing just that you will be able to attract into your life what you truly want.

In order to change your belief system you can start applying affirmations, doing so you will "reprogram" your subconscious mind with a new belief system.  And then things will start to happen to you, as you belief.

Consider This^[1].  Affirmations in New Thought and New Age terminology refer primarily to the practice of positive thinking and self-empowerment—fostering a belief that "a positive mental attitude supported by affirmations will achieve success in anything." More specifically, an affirmation is a carefully formatted statement that should be repeated to one's self and written down frequently. For an affirmation to be effective, it needs to be present tense, positive, personal and specific.

According to Rhonda Britten, affirmations work best when combined with acknowledgements because the acknowledgements build up a backlog of results in one's mind to prove that one can do what one is affirming.  So, for example, the acknowledgement "I bought a good pair of sneakers and some gym clothes" could complement the affirmation "I can reach my goal of losing 20 pounds." The goal is to focus on steps one has taken toward accomplishing one's goals rather than criticizing oneself for what one hasn't yet accomplished, or could theoretically have accomplished but didn't.

Once again, everything has its limits.

Positive affirmation has been found to have a detrimental effect on those who need it the most, because people with low self-esteem will perceive the affirmation as so unbelievable that it strengthens their negative mindset. Those who already have high self-esteem feel slightly better, and those who don't will feel worse than if they had been allowed negative thoughts. When people with high self-esteem uses positive affirmation, it acts as a buffer for constructive criticism that goes against the self-perception, and when people with low self-esteem uses positive affirmation, it rings untrue and therefore brings to mind exactly how they are not successful, loved, etc.

Final Thoughts

As an intellectual I strive to evaluate according to value, always considering the “flip side”, and even after I made a decision on what I believe, I still allow space for others’ believes.

I’m of the opinion that all people need something to believe in, I believe it is part of our design or DNA (if you wish).  We can thus choose to believe in a range of things, from believing in ourselves to believing in some god or divine power; even those who believe there is nothing, still believe something.

The question is: “what do you believe?”  Having read about the Laws of the Universe, the Forgotten Laws, the most important Laws, and more, I’m absolutely convinced that the answer lies in myself; I choose in what I believe; the answer lies in my hands.

One must carefully consider what you believe in, as this forms the basis of your believe system, which forms the basis of your behaviour.  For me a lot of these laws are part of the bigger design and cut easily to both sides; to those who believe in these laws and the role of the universe as the alpha and omega, or those who believe in intelligent design and a divine creator.  Consider the following:

If you believe in yourself and you fail, then your whole universe fails. 

If you believe in a god of sorts, and things are not going as you want it, then your god failed you. 

If you believe in God and things are not coming your way, you still fit into the scheme of things, God is still there, He is still listening, guiding, proving.  If you find success, you see God’s hand in it – and you grow to the point where everything is not about you, it’s about the creator!

I found “contradictions” that are interesting - some of the laws are focused on success and abundance, while a number thereof is focused on giving grace, mercy and love (doing good); and then there are laws that states everything is relative and we must accept that there are some things we can do nothing about?  Just the next law states you can achieve anything by changing the way you think and feel?

I found that these 39 Laws is opposing to the Law of Love, as explained in the Bible, where the focus is on loving God, loving your neighbour and loving yourself – not things.  I believe that the moment you made peace with who you are and what you have, you will experience abundance – abundant life.  The contradiction is that a number of these laws explicitly focus on achieving on what you want.

After careful consideration I conclude that it is up to you to decide if you believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit or not.  A number of these laws are in my mind part of the masterfully designed universe, but it is not about the laws.  I’m of the contention that some of these laws “makes” you god, which you are not.  Thus, the larger part of the laws is (in my view) good advice, but it should not take your attention off God!

What is interesting to me is that a large number of the thinkers who’s thoughts are used to explain or justify arguments and laws, really lead a very simplistic life!

For me it takes a whole lot more "faith" to believe in evolution, the big bang, the universe as creator of plans for you due to your thinking and the power of these laws than it does to believe in intelligent design by a divine Creator (who is also the creator of most of these laws). 

Zig Ziglar wrote that according to legend, it was reputed that a very wise old man who lived on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful city of Venice, Italy, could answer any question anyone might ask him. Two local boys figured they could trick him, so they caught a bird and took it to the wise sage.

"Tell us," they asked, "is the bird in our hand dead or alive?"

The wise man replied, "Son, if I say the bird is alive, you will close your hands and crush it to death. Or, if I say the bird is dead, you will open your hands and it will fly away. The answer is in your hands."

I’m quite sure that there will a number of aspects that I’ve missed or maybe miss interpreted.  I therefore confirm why I did this – I needed to gain an understanding of these so called laws, the laws that give so much power to the human and (almost) makes him god.  As I was confronted with these laws and “losing” a friend to it, I needed to understand and decide where I stand; I chose.  I chose to keep on believing in my God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

I believe in the God who calls Himself “I Am” (Ex 3:14).

If I offended anyone, I do apologise sincerely, it was not the intention.  We are all on our own journey to spiritual maturity – no judgement, be accommodating.

Bottom line – it’s all about what you choose to believe!  The answer is in your hands!

Note: If you are interested I do have a tabled summary of these laws.

---

[1] Kline, K. (n.d.). Association for Psychological Science. Association for Psychological Science. Retrieved April 13, 2014, fromhttps://www.psychologicalscience.org/media/releases/2009/wood.cfm

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

I am wiser than this man, for neither of us appears to know anything great and good; but he fancies he knows something, although he knows nothing; whereas I, as I do not know anything, so I do not fancy I do. In this trifling particular, then, I appear to be wiser than he, because I do not fancy I know what I do not know. (Attributed to Socrates, from Plato) 

The Dunning-Kruger effect, named after David Dunning and Justin Kruger of Cornell University, occurs where people fail to adequately assess their level of competence — or specifically, their incompetence — at a task and thus consider themselves much more competent than everyone else. This lack of awareness is attributed to their lower level of competence robbing them of the ability to critically analyse their performance, leading to a significant overestimate of themselves. Put more crudely, they're too stupid to realize they're stupid. 

The inverse also applies: competent people tend to underestimate their ability compared to others; this is known as impostor syndrome. 

If you have no doubts whatsoever about your brilliance, you could just be that damn good. On the other hand... 

(Author Unknown)

What I do not understand!

Is attending training this week at a mayor tertiary institution in the capital of Gauteng.  

The past few weeks I've been struck by the new of students (30 odd) disrupting the TUT over fees.  Stopped the whole institution for continuing with lecturing to students.  Then I learnt that, after two weeks, a lecturer indicated that the reopening of TUT was fast on him/her and that the students will not have class.

Here is what I do not understand:

• How can the TUT and the government allow 30 students to disrupt a complete campus?
• How can Mr Blade Nzimande complain about a quite, functioning, delivering university for not being transformed, while not mentioning the chaos created on a "transformed" institution?
• How can we expect students to be focused and wanting to learn when those employed to teach, not upheld their end of the bargain.  Their end, in my view, is not only lecturing but also displaying ethical behaviour, being on time, being prepared, being knowledgeable, setting an example in behaviour, language and attitude.
• How can tertiary institutions allow students to behave like @$%^#*'s, dress like @$#%&'s and expect them to be professional once they obtain their degrees and diplomas?
• How can a student, who was allowed to attend class with plakkies (or not), unwashed shorts, hair not combed, etc, ever be expected to be a presentable professional with ethical behaviour - when he/she never had the opportunity to be like that before?  (Absolutely, not all are to blame and not all are @$%#&'s.)  I'm not promoting everyone acting like jocks and wearing suits, but how do you show your are being proud of the institution your are enriching yourself in and preparing yourself to achieve something and be of value to humanity if you look like something that escaped from a washing basket?  Once again - I know I'm generalising a lot, please forgive me and see what I'm  trying to say. Was I ever a student? Yes, it amused me then and it is frustrating me now.

Attending school is a must, attending any tertiary institution thereafter is a privilege. If you agree, why do you allow those attending to not act as if it is a privilege?  

If I offended you to the extend that I made you think - good!

Politicians, learned colleagues and those of you who have the opportunity to study - please consider this; it is not about you, it is about the community that you are about to serve once you graduated.  Once you understand that you are there for common good, then you have learnt! 

Project 1725 – Sharing your Wisdom

In previous generations knowledge and wisdom were shared via interaction, from elders to children around camp fires, around dining tables and other instances of interaction.  Grand parents, parents and elders telling stories and sharing wisdom, calmly guiding the young into their life of responsibility.

Wisdom was transferred from one to another in the form of information within context.

Today there is Google.  People, young and old visit Google as the ultimate information source, without knowing that not all information in Google can be trusted, or it can be completely out of context – resulting in poor understanding and decision making.  Google does not understand context, it does not know why you asked the question.  We don’t talk anymore.

Why Project 1725?  We are making the most far reaching and life changing decisions during the ages of 17 to 25.  We decide on career, a life partner, buying vehicles and a house, to start a family; all while we are not really up to it.  Think about it, how prepared were you when you were faced with these issues when you were 17-25 years old?

Project 1725 is a challenge to create a pool of wisdom (on any topic), which we can freely attribute to and share.  A pool of wisdom or life’s lessons which will assist others with common sense in decision making, guidance in building of relationships, frames of reference to assist with thought and actions.

Call for action; what is your role?  Send JCC Projects an email and we will collate and share.  Send an email to johan@jccprojects.co.za and answer two questions:

1. What was the best advice ever provided to you?
2. Where you are now, what is the best advice you can provide for a 1725er?

You make a living with what you have.  You make a life with what you give!

Share as much as you like!

Hedgehog or Fox?

I've been blessed with the ability to do almost "anything".
I've been blessed with a career which lead me throughout the country, enabled me to work at almost every level of an organisation and in a production as well as advisory role.
I've been blessed to meet a large number of people (and learned to like most of them).
I've been blessed to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience, as well as to provide direction to individuals, teams and organisations.
I've been blessed with a keen ability to see what other do not see (especially wrt behaviour).
I've been blessed to be very skilled in terms of facilitating individuals and teams through difficult situations and projects.
I've been blessed to empower and support people in their quests.

I'm frustrated with people continuously asking what your core competence is; what is it what you really do well, only to frown when I explain what I do .... to be knowledgeable, to see the bigger picture, to guide people on their road to success, to stand between foes, to be the buffer, to make you look good, to make things happen - without kicking people in their teeth (well, sometimes they need it).

The fox and hedgehog concept is based on the Greek parable that states: "The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing."  Many a writer built on this and divided people and organisations into these two concepts - emphasising that the hedgehog wins or becomes great on one thing.  Applying the model goes through the process of (1) understanding your passions, (2) understanding what you can be best at (3) understand how to generate sustained cash flow and profitability, (4) identify the overlap between the above and then (5) review/make your strategy and plans.

Do I differ from the above; no, I do not!  It is a good model and does make a lot of sense, I used it to help a number of people, and it worked.

But I differ as well.  You see, the challenge lies in the balance of things.  If you only have staff that is very good at one thing, there will be no integration and lots of misunderstandings.  Being very good at one thing also poses challenges of staying up to date with continuous change, you can becomes so focused on that one thing that the world/market passed you by!

I believe that success lies in the blend of foxes and hedgehogs.  In the blend of products and services.  In the correct compilation of teams.  There is no "or", you need both.  There is a "need layer" between these two - foxes need hedgehogs and vise versa.

Are my blessings turning into a workplace curse?  No!  It however does pose some challenges when I need to sell my services, when I need to explain what I do!  However, in all the things I can do and do well, facilitating (taking people on a journey) is the one thing I can do best of all ......

Minderwaardig of nie?

Daar is heeltemal te veel mense wat hulself as minderwaardig sien - so, hier is my siening van minderwaardigheid ........

Hierdie is die oggend van vrae ….

Rate jouself gou oor hoe jy oor jouself voel vandag – jouself, jou gesin, jou familie, jou finansies, jou werk, jou geloof?

Dink gou ‘n paar oomblikke oor hoe suksesvol jy is?  Onthou die punte en dan vra jy jouself watter boublokke het jy gebruik om jou sukses te meet; ‘n motor, werk, huis, geld in die bank, vakansies, status?

Hoe voel jy wanneer jy in ‘n geselskap is? Hoe voel jy wanneer jou familie in die omtrek is?  Hoe voel jy wanneer jy in ‘n winkelsentrum rondstap? Hoe voel jy wanneer jy vir ‘n werk aansoek doen of vir ‘n onderhoud gaan?

Is jy fyngevoelig?

As jy kon verander, wie sou jy wou wees?  Hoekom, wat het of is daardie persoon wat jy nie het of is nie?

Jou antwoorde op bogenoemde vrae sal vir jou ‘n baie goeie aanduiding gee oor jou dunk van jouself; sien jy jouself as suksesvol of nie of sien jy jouself as waardig of nie.

Sien, baie van ons probleme lê gewortel in die volgende dinge:

• Hoe ons bepaal of ons suksesvol is of nie.
• Of ons fondasie in die lewe reg is of nie?

Ek het slegte nuus vir julle; niemand van ons is suksesvol as ons definisie van sukses gewortel lê in wêreldse terme nie.  Kyk maar om jou rond; die manne en meisies met geld, hulle het hulle eie problem, want hulle maak nie meer op God staat nie, hulle is self sterk genoeg.  Saam met aardse sukses kom baie uitdagings, “greed” is ‘n vernietigende dryfveer.

Daar word nie verniet gesê dat ‘n man se grootste toets is waanneer hy alles het nie; en ‘n vrou se grootste toets is wanneer haar man alles verloor het nie.

Storietyd.  ‘n Kraak word ontdek op die 42ste verdieping van ‘n 50 verdieping gebou.  Die eienaar word ontbied en die ontbied onmiddelik die ingeneurs en die bouinspekteurs, ens.  Hy is briesend en wil onmiddelik ‘n antwoord op die problem hê.  Ongeduldig wag hy op die 42ste vloer.  Uiteindelik gaan soek hulle die ingeneur en vind hom in die kelder van die gebou.  Die eienaar is moeilik en sê dat die probleem op die 42ste vloer is, waarop die ingeneur antwoord dat as daar ‘n bars hoer op in die gebou is, dan is dit omdat die fondasie verkeerd is.  Om die gebou te red moet die fondasie herstel word.

Moeilikheid.  Reg, almal van ons het moeilikheid, sommige net meer as ander, en van baie weet ons nie eers nie.  Daar is mos die gesegde wat lui ”dat hoë bome val harder”.  Die Bybel erken dat dat ons moeilikheid het, sien

2 Kor 1:3-4.  Aan God, die Vader van ons Here Jesus Christus, kom al die lof toe!  Hy is die Vader wat Hom ontferm en die God wat in elke omstandighede uitkoms gee.  In elke moeilikheid help Hy ons. 

My vraag is nou: “indien jou gebou krake het, hoe goed is jou fondasie”.  Voel julle ook of julle in ‘n hopelose situasie verkeer – soos Paulus gvoel het?

Vanoggend wil ek help om julle (en myne) fondasie te herstel, sodat ons almal kan excel in Jesus.  Wie is ons in Jesus:

• Gen 1:26 En God het gesê: Laat Ons mense maak na ons beeld, na ons gelykenis.
• Gen 1:31 ….Hy het na die mens gekyk en gesê dit is goed.
• Ps 8:4 wat is die mens dat U aan hom dink, en die mensekind dat U hom besoek?
• Ps 8:5 U het hom weinig minder gemaak as ‘n goddelike wese en hom met eer en heerlikheid gekroon.
• Jer 29:11 Want Ek weet watter gedagtes ek aangaande julle koester, spreek die Here, gedagtes van vrede en nie van onheil nie, om julle ‘n hoopvolle toekoms te gee.
• Joh 1:29 (Johannes sê) ….Daar is die Lam van God wat die sonde van die wêreld wegneem.
• Joh 16:33  ….In die wêreld sal julle verdrukking hê; maar hou goeie moed, Ek het die wêreld oorwin.

Wat staan jou te doen?  “Where your attention goes, your energy flows”. 

Kies waarop jy fokus.  Herprogrammeer jouself oor wie en wat jy in Jesus is.

• Weet dat jy deur God geskep is en dat Hy jou liefhet.
•  Deur Jesus is jy vrygespreek en is jy soos HY.  EK is reg met God deur Jesus.
• Aanvaar dat jy foute het, maar niemand is ‘n mislukking omdat hy foute het nie.
• Aanvaar dat jy graag mense wil gelukkig maak en dat hulle van jou moet hou – maar jou selfbeeld en waarde is nie afhanklik van wat hulle van jou dink nie.
• Verstaan dat alhoewel mense jou kan verwerp, God jou nooit sal verwerp nie – jy is Sy kind.
• Weet dat ongeag hoe baie jy val of misluk, God jou nooit sal verwerp nie.
•  Besluit om van jouself te hou (liefhê) – jy hoef nie te hou van alles wat jy doen nie, maar jy gaan nie jouself verwerp nie.
• Verstaan dat daar in Jesus oorwinning is – Hy is ons fondasie.
• Glo dat jy tot enigiets instaat is deur Jesus.

Vra God, en Hy sal van jou gemors ‘n bediening maak – sodat jy ander kan help wat met dieselfde moeilikheid sit.  Onthou, jou hele lewe is ‘n ministry.

Verstaan dat baie suksesverhale is gebore uit een of ander terugslag, ongeluk, krisis of swaarkry. 

• Charles Kettering het ‘n motor se “starter” ontwerp toe die “crank handle” sy arm gebreek het.
• Jacob Schick was ‘n goudprospekteurder, wat die elektriese skeermes ontwerp het omdat dit te koud geword het om te skeer.
•  Eugene O’Neill het begin “plays” skryf toe hy in ‘n hospitaalbed gelê het.

·         Luister mooi na God se stem, dalk is Hy besig om met jou te praat.

·         Onthou dat jy eerste die geveg in jou kop verloor, voordat jy dit fisies verloor.

Is jy dus minderwaardig – te swak om voor mens of God te staan?  Kan nie wees nie – jy is soos God, Jesus het vir jou sondes gesterf, jy is ‘n kind van God en daarom is jy soos Jesus se broer/suster.  Hoe hoog wil jy wees?

Ek daag jou uit.  Gaan uit en wees anders; stap in Jesus se spore, volg sy voorbeeld en verbaas jouself.  

Jy is suksesvol en waardig as jou fondasie God se liefde en Jesus se voorbeeld is!

The Cape is clean!

I like to travel.  If I could I would make a living out of travel.
Went to visit the Cape the weekend past - what an exceptional place.  We had four days of brilliant weather and travelling.
For you that knows the Cape Flats; we lived in Simon's Town and from there traveled to Gordon's Bay, Hermanus, Franschoek, Paarl, Melkbos and Blaauwbergstrand, as well as the peninsula - covered about 1000 kms during our stay.
What struck me was how clean the Cape was, very little anything laying around with the roads in working order and maintained.
The only place where I found it dirty was where the N2 crossed the Baden Powell, in the river - looked like Gauteng.
My question is - why is it clean there and not in Gauteng.  Why is clean next to the N3 to Durban but the moment you cross the border to Mpumalanga or Gauteng it becomes a dump?
Is it because of the wind in Cape Town, is it because of the government or is it due to the people living there appreciating their environment and personally making an effort to "be clean" and preserve?
I don't know - however, it was nice visiting the Cape.

'n Kiewiet se Moed!

Kiewiet-moed
Nico Loggenberg

 
Daar kom hy in die beestepaadjie aan,
hy stuit vir niks, hy’t reeds sy weg gebaan.
Die middagson op sy blinkend goue vel,
hier tussen sy trop koeie is daar niks wat hom kwel.
 
‘n Volle elfhonderd kilogram weeg hy swaar,
as hy aankom, sy nek trots omhoog, gee pad jy maar.
Dis my stoet se nuwe Limousin-bul,
hier in sy kamp loop hy net waar hy wil.
 
Hier voor my oë is vandag iets vreesliks aan’t gebeur:
in die beestepaadjie staan ‘n kiewiet met haar kroos.
Eers lyk dit of die bul hom glad nie aan haar steur,
vlerkies wyd gesprei, kwetterend,
ter wille van haar kroos roep sy na God om haar te troos.
 
Kiewiet met jou kleine kuikens, vandag word julle die grond ingetrap.
Vir wat gaan staan jy nou in die paadjie waarop die beeste stap?
Sy deins nie ‘n tree, maar begin net harder skree!
Agter haar vlerkies skuil haar kroos, sy retireer nie ‘n enkele tree.
 
Die bul laat sak sy massiewe nek:
Kiewiet, hierdie is my plek!
Sy pik na die bul se neusring met haar kleine bekkie:
O nee, hierdie is ook ons ou plekkie.
Sien jy dan nie die engel van God hier langs die paadjie staan?
Ons het na God geroep en jy sal nou om ons moet gaan.
 
Die bul retireer ‘n tree, stap ‘n ompad om die kiewiet en haar kroos.
Waarlik, God het hul in hul benoudste uur getroos.
Die Kiewiet-ma laat sak haar vlerke,
Maar haar vreugde ken geen perke!
In haar deur God ingebou, is ‘n innerlike sterkte.
 
O Heer, dit het my meer gefassineer as manne- of leeuemoed.
Ag, Heer, as ek soms ontsteld is of ek verkeer in groot gevaar,
Gee my dan asseblief van die Kiewiet-ma se moed
en laat my vyand op die vlug slaan as hy met ontblote swaard,
Die engel wat God gestuur het, gewaar.
 
Soms voel ons boere terneurgedruk, ons moet mos alles sluk.
Die mielieprys vandag weer af, die dieselprys weer op.
My God, wanneer sal al die dinge dan stop?
Sal ons regtig die vrugte van ons arbeid eendag pluk?
 
Skep moed, skep moed, van die Kiewiet-ma se moed.
Sprei jou vlerke teen die sonde,
roep tot God, dan bly jy ongeskonde.
 
(Nico Loggenberg boer tussen Koppies en Parys, Noord-Vrystaat.)

The Curtain is Drawn! Take care of the "rooi gevaar".

The elections in our sunny South Africa is now history.  The ANC won and the DA obtained a bigger stake in Parliament. The "red danger" (of rooi gevaar) , against whom uncle PW Botha warned us and against "we" fought, realised in two frightening manners.

First is the red danger (rooi gevaar) of Julius and his merry men and women - sitting, already bored in Parliament.  With no qualification or competence for making decisions that will propel this amazing country of ours into the future.  There problem is that there are way more people who vote for a living; than those who work for a living.  It's numbers that get you a seat on the gravy train and its subsequent benefits.

The second red danger (rooi gevaar) comes in the person of the new minister of Agriculture, a hardened communist who declares that the land must be divided amongst those who work it.  This I do not understand; can those who are followers of a specific ideology not also determine by its track record that it did not work anywhere in the world.  Why would you then continue with this - because in the end it is you who will benefit.  So the analogy of "The Animal Farm" is once again proved right - all are equal, some are just more equal than others - says the pig.

What about the curtain I hear you say - say what you want about our president, he is a brilliant strategist.  The promised made and the oath he took are merely part of the process, it's part of the road you have to travel to stay on top. The new "Propaganda Ministery", the new speaker of the Parliament, the new minister of the SAPS, etc draw the curtain on the doings of our president and his merry men and women (all ANC) for anther 5 years to get their fingers public money.

Roger Whittaker (Folk singer) once said: "politicians are all like a bunch of bananas, they are all yellow, they hang in a bunch together and there is not a straight one amongst them."

Our challenge will be to find more and more brave men and women who will not stand back on raising the flags against the wrongs of the government, while we are in debt of those few in government who still make things work!

Take care - "those who do not read the papers are uninformed; those who read the papers are misinformed!"

Only look back to be able to look forward.

Only look back to be able to look forward; of kyk slegs terug om vorentoe te kyk.
My grootword proses het my baie geleer van hoe om goed te doen en hoe nie. Uiteindelik is elkeen van ons self aanspreeklik vir wat ons doen. 
Ons as gelowiges het die perfekte voorbeeld in Jesus en 'n hele boek vol riglyne. 
Nou is dit opkyk en smile, afkyk en grind. Terugkyk oor my lewe dien slegs n doel om te verstaan, my versier te verstel en my kinders te waarsku hoe om goed nie te doen nie, en om lewenslesse te deel. 
Dan is dit hulle beurt. 
As ons ophou om ons oor die lewe en verlede te verknies, en ons definisie van sukses weg van die wereld te skuif, raak die lewe eintlik fun! 
Inner peace is ons sin, as ons dit wil he.
Ons almal kom 'n punt in ons lewens waar ons self die pen kan neem en ons eie lewensverhaal verder skryf - ongelukkig neem so baie mense nooit daardie stap nie, want dis baie makliker om victim te speel van die moeilike lewe. 
Victim wees raak dan hulle lewens!  
Wat 'n vermorsing van potensiaal.

The Other Woman - consider this!

Went to see the movie "The Other Woman" with my wife last week.
Simple story, bit too long - husband is cheating on his wife with various lovely woman.
He got caught and cleaned up - and his wife is now running the business and making the money he stole, etc.
So, at the end of the movie his luck changed and he lost everything - got fired and all.
My question is - hypothetically, once he got fired and divorced and his jaguar got towed away......what happened to him?  Did he regain his composure and started a new life?  Did he learn his lesson and kept business legal?  Did he find real love and resolved his issues?
You see, life is not so simplistic - nothing turns out to be so clean and clinical, nothing just end and everyone live happily ever after.
I think the real story starts at the end of a movie - when the hype is gone and the screen lifted, then the real story starts; where someone needs to rebuild everything he lost due to stupidity, where one needs to tape pity on themselves and forgive themselves; where one needs to learn that greed destroys and is a unsatisfied beast, one that devours every part of your life and then move on to the next victim.
We actually are missing the real story, the part of the story that will have real value!?
Consider this!
Go well!

Hoekom Johan Filosoof?  My kinders se ek dink te veel, my kollegas se ek maak dit moeilik, gespreksgenote se "dis interresant"!  Die punt is, as jy nie dink nie, gaan jy enige bol twak sluk vir die waarheid - kyk nou maar weer wat is aan die gebeur met die verkiesing; politici lieg oop-en-bloot om jou steun te kry en baie van ons val daarvoor.  Dit bring my by lees, as jy nie lees nie, vedoem jy jouself tot onsinnige besluite en gesprekke.  Ons moet op hoogte van sake bly, anders het jy niks diepte in jou redenasies nie.  Dit is soos wanneer iemand "hulle se" in hulle argumente gebruik - wie is "hulle"?

My eerste gesegde vir hierdie blog: "Indien jy nie die koerante lees nie, is jy oningelig.  Indien jy wel die koerante lees, is jy waningelig."  

Ons is besig om hierdie verkiesing met 'n groot spoed te nader - wees ingelig, kies versigtig!  Hierdie is waarskynlik die belangrikste verkiesing van ons land!

MooiLoop!